Travel to Catania with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Catania with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Catania

Catania is located halfway down the eastern coast of Sicily. Neighbours with the famous Mount Etna, Catania is a magnificent place with a history that has been influenced by eruptions from its daunting neighbour. An impressive feature of the town is Piazza del Duomo.

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Information on Catanias key attractions

The Piazza del Duomo, besides having a spectacular cathedral, is also home to the Fountain of the Elephant, an ancient black lava elephant bearing an Egyptian obelisk – the symbol of the town. The Roman Teatro Antico is worth a visit, as is the San Agata alla Fornace, which contains the furnace where St Agatha, the citys patron saint, was martyred by the Romans.

For a breath of fresh air, you can stroll along via Crociferi. Highlights in the area include: Piazza San Francesco, where there is a church of the same name; the church of San Benedetto; and the Jesuite complex, housing the Institute of Art.

Out and about

Catania is a good base for discovering Europes most active and highest (3,292m) volcano, Mount Etna. You can roam the slopes of Mount Etna or take the three-hour ferry ride to the lovely island of Malta. Rifugio Sapienza is a little village on the southern slope of Etna, from where you can hike up to the Torre del Filosofo (Philosophers Tower).

The port town of Messina is north of Mount Etna and has many historic gems, including the richly adorned church of Annunziata dei Catalani. To the south, Siracusa (Syracuse) is famous mostly for its classical ruins and works of art. The Archaeological Park contains a number of highlights.

Leisure options

Restaurants in Catania serve Sicilian specialities like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh olives and pizza. Via Etnea, a three-kilometre long street cutting through the city, contains the best boutiques and shops. Seeing a production at Teatro Bellini is also worthwhile.

Safety

Visitors should remain vigilant when driving in an unfamiliar environment. Holidaymakers are also more susceptible to pickpocketing, especially at night and around bars and clubs. When visiting Catania, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

Weather in Catania

Catania is one of Italys hottest cities, the temperature can reach 40C in July and August. Winters are mild with the temperature never dropping much below 15C. The best time to visit is April/June or September/October but it can get cool in the evenings in October and youll probably need a sweater.

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